I was intrigued when I first heard about mewing and how it affects speech issues and an irregular bite. I decided to dig deeper into this topic to learn how it affects these two common issues.
In this article, I’ll explore what mewing is, how it works, and whether it can help improve speech issues and irregular bites.
Speech Issues and Mewing
One area where mewing may be particularly helpful is in improving speech issues.
Some people with speech issues, such as a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, may benefit from mewing. By promoting proper tongue posture, mewing can help improve the coordination of the tongue and other muscles involved in speech.
While more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of mewing for speech issues, some people have reported significant improvements after practicing mewing for several months.
How Mewing Can Help with Irregular Bites
Mewing can also be helpful in improving irregular bites, such as an overbite or underbite. These are caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, thumb sucking, and poor oral posture.
By holding proper tongue posture, mewing can help align the teeth and improve the bite over time.
Palatal expansion can also improve irregular bites by giving the teeth more space and expanding them in the correct formation.
While mewing is not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, it may be a helpful adjunct to traditional braces or aligners.
By promoting proper oral posture, mewing can help improve the results of orthodontic treatment and reduce the need for more invasive procedures, such as jaw surgery.
Case Studies of Mewing and Speech Issues
Believe it or not, there are actually some documented cases of mewing fixing or improving speech issues!
For example, a case study published in the Journal of Orthodontics in 2018 found that a 15-year-old boy with a lisp was able to improve his speech after practicing mewing for six months.
Another case study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2017, found that a 20-year-old woman with a speech disorder was able to improve her speech after practicing mewing for six months.
These case studies are promising and definitely show that mewing has some sort of an effect on speech issues.
Case Studies of Mewing and Irregular Bites
Here are case studies that also propose evidence for mewing and fixing irregular bites:
For example, a case study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in 2019 found that a 22-year-old woman with an open bite was able to improve her bite after practicing mewing for eight months.
Another case study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2018, found that a 7-year-old girl with a crossbite was able to improve her bite after practicing mewing for six months.
Yet again, these case studies do show a promising amount of evidence towards mewing!
How to Start Mewing
If you’re interested in trying mewing, there are a few things you should know.
First, it’s important to make sure you’re using proper tongue posture. This involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth, with the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth and the back of your tongue against your soft palate.
It’s also important to practice mewing consistently. This means keeping your tongue in the correct position as much as possible throughout the day, even when you’re talking or eating.
Over time, practicing proper tongue posture can become more natural and automatic.
Conclusion: Is Mewing Right for You?
If you’re interested in trying mewing, it’s important to make sure you’re using proper tongue posture and to practice consistently. While it may take several months to see significant results, mewing may be a helpful adjunct to traditional orthodontic treatment and can promote better overall health and well-being.
So, if you’re struggling with speech issues or an irregular bite, it may be worth giving mewing a try. Who knows? It just might be the solution you’ve been looking for.